Materials

Pipes are an artistic expression of the pipemaker and collector alike. It is said that much can be understood about a person by the pipe he or she smokes. Likewise, much can be told about a pipemaker by the pipes that he or she produces. Beauty of form and execution of design notwithstanding, a pipe must smoke well. J. Alan Pipes represent a merger of form and function. Each pipe is an exhibition of a dedication to detail in engineering in addition to a commitment to create graceful, aesthetically appealing designs with the finest possible finishes. In order to assure that each pipe reaches this benchmark in quality, only the highest quality materials are used in construction.

Briar: The briar used to make J. Alan Pipes is selected from choice mills committed to selling only the best briar available. Each of these briar mills hand-selects and grades each block based on the presence or absence of flaws and the density of graining. The blocks used to make J. Alan Pipes are only the highest quality Algerian and Italian briar offered by these suppliers promising beautifully grained, dense, well-cured wood for a clean and dry smoke.

Stem Material: Only the highest quality German ebonite and cumberland rod stock are used to make the stems. These materials are both flexible and strong, promising a comfortable and resilient bit. Both materials finish to a glass-like finish and augment the beauty of each pipe.

Exotic Hardwood: A variety of exotic hardwoods may be added to adorn the shanks or stems to enhance the natural beauty of the briar. Gabon ebony, French boxwood, padouk, zebrawood, purpleheart, and bocote are a few of the woods that are used.

Bamboo: The root of the bamboo plant called "wangi" can add physical beauty and create a lighter, more delicate smoking pipe. J. Alan Pipes only use the best cut and dried bamboo roots.